2012年12月22日
Unnoticeable Partial Dentures
We have a relatively large number of young patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s at Inaba Dental Office.
Preserve remaining teeth as long as possible
In order to accomplish this it is necessary to consider 10, 20, and even 30 years into the future. Your choice of treatment method can be the deciding factor in whether your teeth become worse or you are able to preserve them for a long time.
[Telescope system] Dentures that are unnoticeable to people around you
Needless to say, it is important to young patients such as yourself that your dentures go unnoticed by the people around you. This may be one of the reasons why most young people choose implants. Did you know that there are dentures that are unnoticeable to other people? What's more is that these dentures also provide a firm bite just like your real teeth. These are telescope system dentures developed in Germany, a technology trusted all over the world.
People who come into our clinic for consultation overwhelmingly choose the telescope system. Patients are highly satisfied with these dentures since they regain lost function while their dentures go unnoticed to other people.
To those who are having dentures made for the first time,
+ Isn't it more difficult worrying about your missing teeth and avoiding food, conversation, and communicating with people?
+ Wouldn't it be wonderful to take care of your situation quickly and be able to return to enjoying life to the fullest?
People considering dentures for the first time have many apprehensions. But dentures are nothing to feel embarrassed about. Getting dentures also has nothing to do with your age. I have learned through talking with patients who are anxious about getting their first pair of dentures that many people worry about the metal parts showing when they laugh. They don't want their family, friends, or significant other to know that they have dentures so many express that they want to avoid taking their dentures out as much as possible.
So exactly what is the telescope system that takes care of all of these concerns?
2012年11月 2日
It was even better than I had imagined (45 year old man, Fukuoka)
We received a thank you mail from a patient who had received telescope treatment from us a few days prior. We were very happy to hear about his joyful experience. Thank you for the mail. m(__)m
Dear Dr. Yuriko Inaba, from Inaba Dental Office,
Hello. Thank you so much for your help the other day.
At first, there was a slight awkward feeling in my mouth, but as each day passes, it lessens and all I keep thinking to myself is, 'Wow! These things are great!"
They are even better than I expected. I truly am happy to have found such a wonderful treatment and to have had you and your team take care of me.
At first when I finally acknowledged that I needed dentures (up until then the roots of my teeth that were supporting my crowns were almost completely gone) I was told to consider implants. The more I searched the more it became difficult to retain the idea that I should try to preserve what is left of my roots. But I was also worried about the trouble of talking in front of people, and having to consider what I eat with my dentures at the time. These worries were never-ending... It was quite depressing.
My dentures used to fly out when I sneezed (like a comedy routine), and I remember when I was a child in the countryside seeing an elderly relative washing food particles from his dentures (at the time I was thoroughly disgusted with the scene). Never did I think that someday that person would be me.
With all these things in my head, I happened to stumble upon your homepage (I bookmarked it) and read everything I could from beginning to end. I decided that your treatment method is my best chance and I came in directly to hear an explanation of the procedure, which further strengthened my resolve (before that, I had gone to a hospital offering implants and heard what they had to say just in case).
I am truly pleased. The dentures themselves are amazing. And the dentists and staff at Inaba Dental Office are also wonderful. The environment produced by the confidence in the staff suggests that 'these dentures are top quality so we would like you to continue to use them long into the future'. It is enough so that no one has to say anything directly. You can sense everyone's dedication to their craft (I even felt like it was my responsibility to take care of my new dentures). What's more is that after having undergone treatment I have become more grateful for my dental hygienist (At first, after I had been instructed on how to brush the area between my teeth and tried it out, my gums were bleeding all over..."Is this really OK?" I wondered. But after continued brushing, I was impressed to see how strong my gums have become).
It's a little off topic but I have to say that when I heard that the telescope system itself was first developed in Germany, I immediately thought, "Oh, that makes sense".
This is because I actually ride a motorcycle (a large one). Many of my biker friends often say, "BMW motorcycles are the best". The reason why they say this is because you can still get bike parts from 30 year old models (of course the bikes from that time are out of production). And the bikes themselves are designed so that they reach peak performance after riding about 30,000 kilometers. These are just a few of the reasons these bikes are the best
I'm sure that you are aware that Germans and Japanese have different ideas concerning how to take care of things. Germans believe, "How long can I continue to use the same product?" (I bet that you never expected something as interesting as a patient deciding to get telescope dentures because of his motorcycle hobby.)
While undergoing treatment, I thought more and more strongly, "Implants may be OK too, but this (telescope system) is something I want people around me to know more about".
No matter what, people are always going to associate dentures with 'elderly people' and also look at implants as some type of 'crowns' used to buy time.
The truth is that people from my generation and ones prior really only respond to, "Actually, they are false teeth", or "I got implants", with, "Oh. Is that so?" But when it comes to dentures they may say, "What!" (I usually never tell anyone by my own volition, but should they ask...).
But, as for me, upon searching and looking into all of my options, the conclusion that I came to was, "If the foundations of my teeth (the gums and bone) are still very strong, then there is no reason for me to have to go through any further tooth loss."
I am not an expert so I could be wrong, but I was often told that I should have my teeth removed because puss was building up in my gums. I used to think, if I just need 1 or 2 then implants would be OK but if I need many implants, they may provide a temporary solution, but I couldn't trust them to last a few years or tens of years down the road? I really didn't want to imagine how terrible that time would be when it came (the image of my gums thinning out and the linking parts of my implants becoming visible, and of course all of them coming loose). In order to learn more about this I went in for an explanation before actually requesting the procedure. I was only told the conditions under which I could get implants. I went to a university hospital in Fukuoka and they told me that I would need to quit smoking before they would treat me with implants.
This is where telescope dentures are truly perfect for me. I heard that the telescope system is made 'considering that more teeth may be lost in the future' and that they can 'be adjusted or reprocessed for continued use', and, 'you can sleep with them in'. I would like to recommend to anyone who is considering dentures to pick up Inaba Dental Office's pamphlet and read up on the subject (I also recommend that you read the whole homepage. It was interesting and informative).
If you are planning to advertise this system to the younger generation (you know they are really good at spreading information through word of mouth...), I would be happy to show up and share. Also, (I'm about to go off on another tangent...) I think telescope system treatment is a much better gift than some expensive trinket for elderly parents who have trouble eating with their own full dentures. Gift your parents with these dentures to really express filial piety (this gift really would be about their health).
But, really (you must be thinking that I have turned this page into my own blog!) my experience has taught me what is good about the telescope system, and conversely, what is not so good about insurance-covered dentures. Even the dentist from Fukuoka told me straight, "This is all we can do with insurance. If you want anything better then you should look into implants or something else".
He also told me, "Nowadays the patient must pay 30 percent of the cost. It used to be 10 percent and then 20 percent. Back then patients would have new dentures made as soon as they decided theirs didn't fit anymore. That's why you can still see 'denture mailboxes' at the town hall."
Let me say in closing that I am looking forward to seeing you continuously for maintenance and I am very grateful for the treatment.
Mr. K.T., 45 year old man, Fukuoka
*Cases introduced on the website are completely unique to the patients and actual treatment periods and methods vary for each patient.
2012年10月31日
I regret not coming in sooner (59 year old man from Kawasaki, Kanagawa)
＜My story＞
I think it was about 7 or 8 years ago. Something was not right with my upper teeth when I bit into things. The bite was off and it hurt a lot. I asked a dentist friend of mine to treat my teeth and he got me a pair of magnetic style dentures without providing much explanation.
At first I was shocked. My teeth had always had problems so I knew that I was going to eventually have to give up and get dentures but the hold of the magnets was very weak and they slipped and came off a lot. Food would often get stuck under them and I couldn't bite.
Without any other options, I decided to have my dentures fixed and adjusted at a dental clinic close to my home. Each time I went in for maintenance, the appointment only lasted a few minutes and after about 1 year I decided to have the magnets replaced and the dentures remade.
Just like before my new dentures became loose after a few months so I grew anxious. And the magnets' hold was so weak that I might as well have had them removed completely.
Once again I was faced with no options but to seek consultation at a different more reputable dental clinic also near my home. They recommended that I should not rely on magnets and instead have a new set of dentures made.
I was told that dentures made with high quality materials would cost between 300,000 and 400,000 yen. So I decided to first try out dentures covered by insurance. At first I was impressed that the clasping strength was much greater than what I was used to, but after a few months these dentures also became loose and food often got caught in them. Also, I couldn't pronounce words correctly and it always seemed that people had a hard time listening to what I was saying. This had a detrimental effect on work and people's impression of me suffered. I was also constantly worried about my dentures falling out. The whole experience was quite stressful.
I felt bad about it, but I had to say goodbye to the dentist I had been seeing throughout that time in order to search for a solution that I could be satisfied with. There was no one in particular whom I could consult with so I began searching the web.
In my case I was told that I had bone prominence in my jaw so the oral surgeon would need to file down some of the bone before making dentures.
I was about to give up half way through, thinking 'why can't I just get normal dentures?' In the end, I searched and found that implants may be the only option for me. NHK ran a program once about the troubles and accidents associated with implants in which they reported that more than 2000 cases were brought before the National Consumer Affairs Center. So I was quite uneasy about having them put in. Also, I couldn't get a clear answer on the cost of implants. So with those questions weighing on my mind, I never took the first step. I bet people worrying like I was also searched the internet for answers.
I can imagine people, including myself, disillusioned by the whole search for the right dentures, turning to net surfing due to a lack of sources of objective information. It just goes to show how important information posted on a clinic's homepage is for patients. I'm sure patients will read your homepage in its entirety.
I am sorry for such a garbled mess of a comment. Now I will recount my meeting with Dr. Inaba.
＜Inaba Dental Office＞
When I was searching for a solution on the internet, the homepage for Inaba Dental Office came up often, so I have read it a lot. I especially was relieved to see the denture outpatient clinic corner and all the information available on dentures.
One sentence caught my eye and really struck me: "We believe that after experiencing our technology and the confidence of our staff you will never seek dentures from another clinic again." I really want this to be the last clinic I ever need to visit.
I visited Dr. Inaba because I didn't believe that the only option that I had was to extract my existing roots.
First, I was honestly surprised that Dr. Inaba told me that there was no problem with my bone prominence and that there was no need to extract my remaining teeth. All the dentists up until now were telling me that I needed to have my remaining teeth extracted. So I was most happy to hear Dr. Inaba tell me that these teeth could be put to use. I regret not coming in sooner.
It was a little more expensive than I thought that it would be so I was a little worried for work and whether or not it was worth it. But after hearing the doctor's explanation and that the dentures could be fixed and repaired for long-term use, my worries were put to rest. I think that over the long run, these dentures will end up costing less.
Finally I began treatment, but honestly, at first I couldn't imagine what Resilience telescope dentures would look like when they were finished. I was a little worried and wanted to know more.
Dr. Inaba used cups to demonstrate the principle behind the treatment and it was actually quite easy to understand. I was very impressed by the wonderful technology.
When I had my existing teeth fixed to act as the inner crown foundation, the dentures that I had made through insurance actually just fit and wouldn't fall off. At that point my long-held fears began to disappear and I started to feel relieved.
＜And for the finished product＞
+ It took 2 - 3 days to get used to the fit, but there wasn't anything I could really call pain.
+ They don't come off, or even move. It is quite difficult to take them off.
+ I can open my mouth widely to laugh and while talking.
+ Up until now people had a hard time understanding me, but now no one questions what I say.
+ The dentures I had up until now would shift or fall off when I opened my mouth wide.
+ They fit comfortably and food never gets stuck in them. My old dentures were so uncomfortable because food would often get trapped in them.
+ I can bite strong into anything. And best of all, I can enjoy the texture of all foods.
+ My teeth feel great inside my mouth. Everything feels delicious. I think it is because these dentures use my natural roots.
+ At first the teeth above my tongue felt very awkward, as if something was putting pressure on my tongue, but just as the doctor said, after about one week, this awkward feeling went away. I did feel like the lower base of the dentures could be a little thinner, but if this compromises the strength of the dentures, then it is not a problem. They are very comfortable the way they are.
+ The most important thing to me was being able to use my remaining roots. These dentures feel more like removable false teeth than a full set of dentures. I am proud that I still get to use my own teeth roots. It saves me from feeling like a helpless old man. Also, I had been feeling a lot of stress in my everyday life up until now, so to have that stress relieved has really solved my general malaise problem. Now I am free to put my brain to work.
The aforementioned account is quite long, but it is my story. I am sure that there are many people worrying just like I was with no one to talk to. Everything really depends on the patient.
That is, believe in yourself, act, and then leave the rest to chance.
I really hope that Dr. Inaba, and everyone working in cooperation with her will spread this technology. Surely many people will benefit from it.
I hope that my account can be of some use, if any at all.
Thank you, Dr. Inaba and your whole staff. I am looking forward to your continued success and I hope that the treatment you provide can spread throughout the world.
Thank you very much.
K.S. 59 year old man, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
*Cases introduced on the website are completely unique to the patients and actual treatment periods and methods vary for each patient.
2012年10月 7日
It was recommended to me that I try All-on-4 but I feel uneasy about that.
Q. A local dentist told me that a few of my teeth would need to be removed. He said considering that my condition is likely to worsen, I should have all of my teeth removed using All-on-4 implants. I am nervous about implant surgery and am looking for an alternative treatment method. I would like to know more about the options at your clinic. Thank you.
A. Thank you very much for your question. I imagine you have really been worrying about this issue.
So a local dentist suggested that you have all of your teeth removed and replaced with implants using the All-on-4 method. I really don't think that this is the direction that you want to go in. Of course it really depends on the condition of your teeth, but it is ideal to do whatever you can to prevent further deterioration of your remaining teeth.
All-on-4 is a method where 4 implants serve as an anchor for your dentures. I am not sure how long these anchor teeth can hold. It is possible that the anchors may come loose due to influences from the remaining natural teeth, and the procedure may need to be redone from the start. If All-on-4 doesn't work out... this can have lasting detrimental effects on bone tissue and dentures may ultimately be recommended.
Under any condition, your own natural teeth are of most importance. I have my doubts about your consultation as to whether it is really necessary to have all of your teeth removed.
It is necessary to think about what may happen 20 or 30 years in the future. I think it is best to maintain your own teeth as long as it is possible.
At our clinic, we will not remove teeth unless there is no other option.
Our clinic's dentures were developed in Germany where it is typical to continue to use the same pair of dentures for a long time while only making minor adjustments from time to time. In the first design step it is assumed that weaker teeth may fall out and dentures are made to easily be adjusted when this happens. We even leave the weaker teeth alone so they can stay with you as long as possible. I would like to meet you to see if there really is no option other than removing your teeth.
Our clinic employs the resilience telescope system which can make use of your own teeth even if there are not many left. Details are available at the link below so feel free to have a look.
Make use of your few remaining teeth with Resilience telescope
2012年6月12日
Materials used in dentures
Q. Are the teeth in dentures made at Inaba Dental Office the same hardness as those in dentures covered by insurance?
I'm not sure if flexible is the correct word, but should teeth be shifting and changing as I move my mouth?
I don't imagine dentures should be able to fit to all of the different movements of the mouth. What can you tell me about this?
A. Our dentures are made with hard materials.
In recent years soft dentures have also become available, but these allow air in too easily and are prone to fall out.
Some muscles are prone to movements that can cause your dentures to come out (masseter muscles, cheek muscles, and digastric muscles). Our dentures are made with these muscles in mind. We design them so that you can make a wide range of facial expressions without worrying about your dentures falling out.
It is rather difficult to create dentures that fit just right and cause no awkwardness from the first time you put them on. But as you use our dentures, you will get used to them and they will become just another part of your body.
Dentures, unfortunately, are prosthetics and they cannot mimic the teeth 100%.
Some of our patients tell us that they experience no awkwardness at all and feel as if their dentures are their own teeth. But I would like to stress that each case is different and there is no way to guarantee that everyone will experience the same feeling.
All dentures, no matter how excellent, take some time to get used to.
Soft flexible dentures may be nice to look at, but people who use them are prone to develop TMJ arthrosis due to their unstable bite.
It is impossible to protect against TMJ arthrosis with dentures that cannot provide a proper bite. And it may be difficult to enjoy meals.
